Tobio Kageyama
Tobio Kageyama
| Japanese | 影山 飛雄 | ||||
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| Rōmaji | Kageyama Tobio | ||||
| Character Info | |||||
| Also Known As | King of the Court (by Kitagawa Daiichi) Tobio-chan (by Oikawa) Kageyama the Kalm, Bakageyama, Bateyama-kun, Bakayama, Kalm-geyama, Yamayama-kun, Wearyama-kun, Crappyama, Tired-yama (English) (by Hinata) King, Your Highness/Majesty (by Tsukishima, Kindaichi) Pipsqueak, Brazen Jerk (by Tsukishima) Simpleton Idiot (by Sugawara) |
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| Gender | Male | ||||
| Date of Birth | December 22, 1996 | ||||
| Pre-timeskip | |||||
| Age | 15 – 16 (High School 1st Year) – 2012 | ||||
| Height | 180.6cm (5′ 11.1″) – Apr 2012 181.9cm (5′ 11.6″) – Nov 2012 |
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| Weight | 66.3kg (146.2 lbs.) – Apr 2012 | ||||
| Occupation(s) | High School Student (1st Year, Class 3) – 2012 | ||||
| Teams | Little Falcons (Former) Akiyama Elementary (Former) Kitagawa Daiichi (Former) Karasuno High (Former) |
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| Number | 12 (Elementary 2nd Year) 12 (Junior High 1st Year) 2 (Junior High 3rd Year) 9 (High School 1st year) 2 (High School 3rd year) |
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| Position | Setter | ||||
| Post-timeskip | |||||
| Age | 19 – Early 2016 21 – Nov 2018 24 – Summer 2021 |
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| Height | 188.4cm (6′ 2.2″) – Nov 2018 | ||||
| Weight | 82.2kg (181.2 lbs.) – Nov 2018 | ||||
| Occupation(s) | V.League Division 1 Player | ||||
| Teams | Japan National Team (2016 & 2021) Schweiden Adlers (Former) Ali Roma (Current)[1] |
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| Number | 20 (2016 National Team) 20 (Schweiden Adlers) 9 (2021 National Team) 20 (Ali Roma) |
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| Position | Setter | ||||
| Background Information | |||||
| Family | Miwa Kageyama (Older Sister) Kazuyo Kageyama (Grandfather) Unnamed Parents |
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| Goal | Be a setter that’s the team’s control tower Be able to think and toss the ball in a way so that it won’t get blocked |
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| Likes | Volleyball Milk Yogurt Pork curry with a slow cook egg on top |
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| Home town | Miyagi Prefecture | ||||
| Home country | Japan | ||||
| Debut Information | |||||
| Manga | Endings and Beginnings | ||||
| Anime | Endings and Beginnings | ||||
| Portrayal | |||||
| Japanese Voice | Kaito Ishikawa | ||||
| English Voice | Scott Gibbs | ||||
| “ | ” | |
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— Tobio Kageyama
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Appearance
Kageyama’s appearance in Anime.
Kageyama’s height and sharp glare are two of his most notable physical features, often drawing attention from his female classmates. He has a lean but muscular build, and his intimidating aura is accentuated by the near-permanent scowl on his face. His black hair is kept short, with a fringe that falls just above his dark blue eyes. On most occasions, Kageyama can be seen wearing his school uniform or practice clothes.
Post-timeskip, Kageyama has grown to 188 cm. His hairstyle has changed, with his hair parted down the middle, similar to Kunimi’s. By the end of the series, his bangs are trimmed short, ending just above his eyebrows.
Personality
Kageyama is initially portrayed as sullen, arrogant, and short-tempered, embodying the traits of an overbearing perfectionist. His obsession with winning often led him to disregard his teammates’ opinions and well-being. His tendency to harshly criticize their performance and issue commands earned him the nickname “King of the Court,” a title that symbolized the oppressive and egocentric attitude he exhibited during his time at Kitagawa Daiichi in junior high.
Despite this exterior, Kageyama is much more sensitive and insecure than he appears. He struggles to control his frustration and often expresses his emotions inappropriately. After being abandoned by his teammates at Kitagawa Daiichi, Kageyama was left with deep regret and developed a fear of being disliked and mistrusted, though he never openly addressed these feelings until Tsukishima confronted him about them.
Beneath his awkward social skills, Kageyama has a sincere desire to do his best and an intense passion for volleyball. His enthusiasm is especially evident when he successfully executes plays with Hinata, often getting overly excited about their teamwork. Since joining Karasuno, Kageyama has become more respectful of his upperclassmen and more accepting of others whose abilities or perspectives differ from his own. This growth has helped him rediscover the importance of teamwork and mutual trust, as well as regain confidence in his role as a setter.
Over time, Kageyama has learned that he no longer needs to control every aspect of the game and has grown comfortable sharing the spotlight with Hinata and other spikers. Although he still gets irritated when called “King of the Court” in high school, by the Final Arc, he has come to view the nickname in a more positive light, symbolizing his evolution as a player and teammate.
Background
From a very young age, Kageyama displayed a deep love for volleyball. Shortly after he was born, he clung tightly to his older sister’s volleyball, refusing to let his grandfather take it away from him. By the age of four, Kageyama was already playing volleyball with his grandfather, Kazuyo, and his older sister, Miwa. His passion for the sport grew quickly, and he chose to become a setter, drawn to the position because it allowed him to touch the ball the most. During his time at Akiyama Elementary, Kageyama was soon recognized as a volleyball prodigy.
When he entered Kitagawa Daiichi Junior High, it was clear that Kageyama’s talent far surpassed that of his peers, including the third-year setter, Tōru Oikawa. However, his exceptional abilities and lack of empathy toward his teammates led to a demanding and uncompromising attitude. This eventually earned him the nickname “King of the Court,” which referred to his domineering and isolated playstyle. While those outside the team assumed the nickname was a ament to his skill, it was actually a critique of his inability to cooperate with others. His relentless practice habits further alienated him from teammates like Kunimi and Kindaichi, who often avoided him due to his intensity.
By his third year, Kageyama’s strained relationships with his teammates had reached a breaking point. Kindaichi and Kunimi even considered asking their coach to bench him. Despite this, Kitagawa Daiichi remained a strong contender at the Junior High Athletics Meet, where Kageyama first encountered Shōyō Hinata, marking the beginning of their long-term rivalry.
Though Kitagawa Daiichi advanced in the tournament, they ultimately lost in the finals. It’s suggested that Kageyama’s inability to work with his team may have contributed to their defeat, as his picture appeared in an article about the match. At some point during his third-year competitions, Kageyama sent a toss to his teammates during a game, only to find that no one was willing to receive it, a clear sign that they had grown tired of his leadership. His teammates’ refusal to play with him led to Kageyama being benched, ending his junior high volleyball career in shame.
After this humiliating experience, Kageyama’s struggles continued. He failed to enter Shiratorizawa Academy, and soon after, his beloved grandfather passed away, deeply affecting both Kageyama and his sister, Miwa.
Statistics
Kageyama is widely recognized as the “King of the Court” and a volleyball genius, known for his extraordinary technique and exceptional game sense. As a high-caliber setter, Kageyama possesses the ability to unify his team with his overwhelming talent, though he initially struggled with communication and teamwork. Over time, he has learned to adjust his approach, focusing on bringing out the best in his spikers by paying close attention to their condition and adjusting his tosses accordingly, rather than expecting them to always match his pace.
Kageyama’s skill set goes beyond setting. He is a versatile all-rounder with a deep understanding of both the fundamentals and complexities of volleyball. While he is capable of playing other positions, including wing spiker, he chose to specialize as a setter due to his passion for being the “control tower” of the team. His ability to improvise strategies on the fly is another strength, as seen when he first suggested using Hinata’s presence as a decoy during matches. These skills earned Kageyama a spot at the All-Japan Youth Intensive Training Camp, solidifying his status as one of the top young volleyball players in the country.
Height and Reach:
- April 2012: Jumping Reach: 335 cm
- November 2012:
- Fingertip Height: 239 cm
- Jumping Reach: 337 cm (spike) / 320 cm (block)
- Post-Timeskip: Jumping Reach: 348 cm
Skills
Kageyama’s set for Hinata.
Pinpoint Accuracy
Kageyama’s most notable skill is his ability to pinpoint the exact position of his spikers and deliver a precise toss at incredible speeds. This accuracy, combined with his ability to set from any angle, makes his sets nearly impossible for opponents to predict and counter. His exceptional accuracy plays a crucial role in the success of the “Freak-Quick” with Hinata, as Kageyama can calculate Hinata’s exact spike point and deliver the ball at the perfect moment. This precision also benefits other techniques, such as straight shots and setter dumps. Like Atsumu, Kageyama’s sets are easy for spikers to hit, often making them feel like they’ve improved simply by working with him.
Minus-Tempo Quick Strike
Also known as the “God-Fast Spike” or “Freak-Quick,” this technique is the signature offensive maneuver of Kageyama and Hinata. It combines Kageyama’s precise setting skills with Hinata’s agility and jumping ability. Initially, Kageyama’s tosses were so precise that Hinata could spike with his eyes closed. After the summer training camp, Kageyama refined the quick set, delivering a toss that hovers in the spiker’s hitting zone, allowing Hinata more control in mid-air. He can also send tosses close to the net for Hinata to spike straight down.
King’s Toss
Kageyama’s strongest set, known as the “King’s Toss,” was originally too fast and forceful for most spikers to handle. After refining this technique during the summer camp, Kageyama learned to add a backspin to his toss, allowing the ball to slow down at the spiker’s point of impact. This adjustment lets the spiker manipulate the ball more effectively, making it easier to control.
Jump Serve
Kageyama possesses a powerful jump serve that becomes a key weapon in his arsenal. Initially lacking accuracy, he improved this skill over time, eventually mastering his serve by the Shiratorizawa match, where he surprised opponents by manipulating the serve’s power to catch them off guard. By nationals, his jump serve was highly reliable, often resulting in service aces, and he even added side-spin to further confuse receivers. In the V-League, Kageyama became the top-ranked server, once scoring five consecutive aces against the French national team.
Dump Set
Kageyama excels at executing dump sets, taking advantage of moments when the opposing blockers expect a standard set. His ability to disguise dump sets often catches opponents by surprise. He can also vary his dumps, performing a power tip to deflect the ball off blockers’ hands and land it near the court’s edge.
Two-setter Attack
During the summer training camp, Kageyama and Sugawara developed a strategy where they switch positions on the court, with Sugawara setting and Kageyama attacking. This tactic often succeeds because most opponents don’t anticipate Kageyama being an attacker, making it difficult for them to block his spikes.
One-Person Time Difference Attack
Kageyama is skilled at coordinating time difference attacks with his spikers. One notable instance is with Tsukishima during Karasuno’s match against Shiratorizawa, where Tsukishima delayed his jump to throw off the blockers, allowing Kageyama to set at the perfect moment.
Glance Feint
A technique Kageyama learned from watching Kenma Kozume, the glance feint involves looking in one direction to deceive blockers before setting in the opposite direction. Although Kageyama rarely uses this tactic, it is highly effective when he does.
Receives
Though Kageyama’s primary role is setting, he demonstrates exceptional defensive skills when called upon to receive. His quick reflexes and technique allow him to handle difficult serves and spikes, including using the back of his forearms to receive Ushijima’s powerful cross shot.
Blocking
As one of the taller players on Karasuno’s team, Kageyama plays a key role in blocking. He uses his height and strength effectively, positioning his arms for optimal block attempts and reading opponents’ moves to anticipate their spikes.
Straight Spike
Though he primarily sets, Kageyama is capable of spiking with impressive accuracy. His role as a setter often surprises opponents when he participates in an attack, giving him the advantage when performing straight spikes during critical moments.
Relationship
Karasuno High
Kageyama and Hinata’s fighting during their game.
Shōyō Hinata
Kageyama and Hinata share a highly competitive but friendly relationship. Their rivalry began at the junior high volleyball tournament, where Kageyama initially didn’t think much of Hinata. However, he quickly came to respect Hinata’s athletic abilities both during the tournament and once they started as first-years at Karasuno. Kageyama often scolds Hinata for his mistakes, calling him “Bokē” (Dumbass), while Hinata teases Kageyama about his social awkwardness. Despite their frequent arguments, the two rarely resort to physical altercations, preferring to yell at one another.
At first, Kageyama refused to set to Hinata, doubting his abilities. But once he saw Hinata’s determination and skill, he began setting to him, ultimately developing their infamous quick attack. Kageyama admits to being jealous of Hinata’s speed and reflexes, but he doesn’t fully understand how Hinata can trust him so completely during their plays. Kageyama was the one who suggested Hinata take on the role of a decoy, recognizing his speed and agility as assets for the team. Although their relationship had some rough patches—especially when Hinata wanted to change their quick attack for more control—they reconciled, becoming an even more formidable duo. Post-timeskip, they remain competitive yet close, working together on Japan’s Olympic team.
Kei Tsukishima
Kageyama and Tsukishima initially struggled to get along, with Tsukishima frequently mocking Kageyama by calling him “King” or “Your Majesty.” Their clashes often led to arguments, with their upperclassmen needing to intervene. However, once Kageyama learned to trust his teammates and began working more cooperatively, their relationship improved. Kageyama now recognizes Tsukishima’s strategic blocking abilities and follows his lead during critical moments. Though they continue to bicker, their relationship has become less tense over time.
Tadashi Yamaguchi
Initially, Kageyama didn’t like Yamaguchi due to his association with Tsukishima’s teasing. Over time, however, they developed mutual respect as reliable teammates. Kageyama now views Yamaguchi as a dependable pinch server.
Hitoka Yachi
Yachi was initially intimidated by Kageyama’s serious demeanor, but they quickly became friends after Kageyama and Hinata asked her for help with their studies. During training camps, Yachi often assisted Kageyama as he worked on refining his sets for their quick attack. While they don’t interact frequently, Kageyama respects Yachi and is grateful for her support.
Yū Nishinoya
Kageyama was both overwhelmed and impressed by Nishinoya’s energy and receiving skills. Though Nishinoya enjoys teasing Kageyama, they trust each other as teammates and work well together on the court.
Ryūnosuke Tanaka
At first, Kageyama was somewhat taken aback by Tanaka’s bold personality, but he quickly came to appreciate Tanaka’s strength as a volleyball player. Tanaka’s encouragement and teasing help Kageyama stay grounded, and Kageyama trusts him deeply during matches, even when Tanaka doubts himself.
Chikara Ennoshita
Ennoshita helped Kageyama understand that different spikers need different types of sets to perform at their best. Kageyama respects Ennoshita’s calm demeanor and natural leadership, seeing him as the ideal candidate for the next team captain.
Kōshi Sugawara
Kageyama greatly admires Sugawara as both a fellow setter and an upperclassman. Initially jealous of how easily Sugawara gained the trust of others, Kageyama learned from him how to build better relationships with his teammates. While he respects Sugawara’s leadership, Kageyama is also wary of him when he becomes angry. They work seamlessly together during matches, and Kageyama continues to look up to Sugawara post-timeskip.
Daichi Sawamura
Kageyama deeply respects Daichi as the captain of Karasuno and appreciates his stable presence both on and off the court. After initially causing trouble while joining the club, Kageyama worked hard to prove himself trustworthy in Daichi’s eyes. He values Daichi’s advice and guidance during critical moments.
Asahi Azumane
Kageyama sees Asahi as a reliable ace and played a key role in Asahi’s return to Karasuno by encouraging Sugawara to set to him during a practice match. Once Asahi regained his confidence, Kageyama became one of his most consistent setters, always aiming to deliver perfect tosses.
Kiyoko Shimizu
Unlike many of his teammates, Kageyama doesn’t show romantic interest in Kiyoko, but he respects her as an upperclassman and team manager.
Aoba Johsai High
Tōru Oikawa
Oikawa is one of Kageyama’s grea rivals and the setter he aims to surpass. During junior high, Kageyama admired Oikawa’s skills, often asking him for advice. However, Oikawa saw Kageyama as a threat and refused to help him, though Kageyama was unaware of this. Their rivalry intensified in high school, with Oikawa frequently mocking Kageyama for his inability to connect with his teammates. Despite this, Kageyama recognizes Oikawa as an exceptionally talented setter capable of bringing out the best in his teammates. Their rivalry continued even after high school.
Yūtarō Kindaichi
Kageyama and Kindaichi were teammates at Kitagawa Daiichi Junior High, but their relationship was tense. Kageyama often blamed Kindaichi for not keeping up with his sets, leading to friction between them. After going to different high schools, Kageyama realized how poorly he had treated Kindaichi and attempted to make amends after their first practice match. However, Kindaichi refused to forgive him at first, maintaining their rivalry throughout high school. Post-timeskip, they eventually reconciled and restored their friendship.
Akira Kunimi
Similar to Kindaichi, Kageyama was strict with Kunimi during junior high, frustrated by his perceived lack of effort. After they joined different teams in high school, Kageyama began to regret how he had treated Kunimi and tried to mend their relationship. Though Kunimi initially rejected Kageyama’s attempts, Kageyama came to appreciate Kunimi’s natural abilities, especially under Oikawa’s guidance. After Kageyama turned professional, he was able to repair his relationship with Kunimi.
Schweiden Adlers
Schweiden Adlers
Kageyama works well with his teammates in the Schweiden Adlers, much like he did at Karasuno. He provides easy-to-hit sets and encourages his teammates’ success. He is particularly close to teammates like Hoshiumi, Ushijima, and Romero.
Family
Kazuyo Kageyama
Kazuyo was Kageyama’s grandfather, the person who first introduced him to volleyball. The two shared a close bond during Kageyama’s childhood, often practicing together and watching professional matches. Kazuyo taught Kageyama many important lessons about volleyball, including the idea that teammates can also be rivals. He encouraged Kageyama to become a strong player and to always seek out new challenges.
Miwa Kageyama
Miwa is Kageyama’s older sister, with whom he shared a close but competitive relationship during their childhood. Though she eventually retired from volleyball, Miwa played an important role in Kageyama’s early exposure to the sport.